Building a better resume is reflected through the ability to clearly express the various characteristics of an individual in a way that best describes the capabilities beyond the positions that the person has held. A common trend is for the individual to focus so much attention on past experiences and current responsibilities that he or she fails to communicate the final step in the search process.
The resume is a road map. It shares with the reader where you’ve been, where you are today, and most importantly—where you’re capable of going. This isn’t something that’s simply shared in an “objective” statement at the top of a resume. It’s shared through the ability to express capabilities and potential. There are many different ways that we can communicate that message, but one of the most important elements of the resume is the description of our loss prevention education and training background.
Loss prevention education and training create a path to personal and professional improvement. We see an individual’s education as an insight into interests and abilities—and a commitment to self-fulfillment on many levels. But this information also provides us with something more. It shows a willingness to learn, grow, and see things in a new and different way. It shows the flexibility to expand the way we think and apply information. It shows an investment in self-improvement and the value of expanding both our ideas and opportunities.
This is why it’s important to accurately and appropriately describe your education on your resume. If you’ve graduated from college, make sure that you say so. “2005 graduate, University of (Anywhere USA); Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.”
The same holds true with industry certifications and related training and loss prevention education. If you’ve spent the time, effort and financial resources necessary to receive a degree or complete a certification—such as one of those offered through the Loss Prevention Foundation—you’ve earned the right to display that commitment on your resume. Make the extra effort to clarify and highlight that.
In order to craft a better resume, be willing to look at the document through the eyes of those we are trying to impress during the selection process. They depend on that document to shed light on the professional that we are and how our particular talents, abilities, and experiences will successfully meet the needs of the position that they are trying to fill.
Considering the time and effort that we put into our careers and the energy that goes into developing a professional development plan, we should be willing to take the small steps that put on a successful career path. This can make a big difference in the search process and might guide others in their decisions as well.
For more information on loss prevention careers, visit LPjobs.com.
This article was originally published in 2016 and was updated April 15, 2020.
